FIA president Jean Todt has admitted the recent excercise in cost-cutting hasn’t gone far enough and it will likely see some teams unable to survive.
Whilst budget cuts and various restrictions on development have been proposed to reduce how much is spent, almost all of these have been rejected by the F1 Commission which is made up of the larger outfits.
Todt admits these teams are resistant to change and forcing the FIA into finding a balance which will please both sides – but so far he’s failed to appease the smaller teams.
“Some racing teams are becoming resistant to changes,” he told the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper.
“I admit these calls [for cost reduction] have been tougher than expected. I am aware that there will never be complete agreement, so I strive for the best possible compromise.”
However Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn doesn’t think they’ve gone far enough to cut costs at all.
“I don’t think we have achieved any measurable cost cutting so far,” she said. “I really wonder what the FIA is now going to do and how Formula 1 is going to be governed in this respect.”
Todt admitted the lack of widespread change would probably see some of the 11 teams leave the sport, but with two new outfits on the horizon, he’s not too concerned.
“It may be that some teams do not survive,” added the 68-year-old. “We have seen this situation often. But I am convinced that the present Formula 1 is more stable than in recent years. And, yes, we want new teams in Formula 1.
“The new US team will come in 2016,” he confirmed. “Also Forza Rossa of Colin Kolles if it meets the requirements, but currently they do not have a license.”
